Kirby Star Warrior of Dream Land - Chapter 19

Kirby Star Warrior of Dream Land

Chapter 19 – Here Comes Knuckle Joe

Written By Fredrik Nilsson

Based on the Kirby video games and animated series by:

Nintendo, HAL Laboratory and Comet Studios

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In the depths of cyberspace, a flash of light moves across the digital circuitry and channels until reaching a golden barrier that bears the “Nightmare Enterprises Network”.

“Nightmare Enterprises Network, huh? This must be it.” A voice said and punched through the barrier.

Once inside, the light materializes fully into a male humanoid figure with spiky blonde hair, a bandana around his head, and a pair of pointy ears, as he begins to mess with the terminals inside. 

This intrusion into the Nightmare Enterprises Network is noticed by the Customer Service, who intercepts the figure.

“Warning! You’ve entered the Nightmare Enterprises Network, and I wanted to know why.” Customer Service said.

A figure looked at the Customer Service, and replied. “I was looking for the strongest Star Warrior who lives on Planet Popstar. And I’m here to destroy him.”

“Oh? In that case, I believe I can be your assistance. And I wish you good luck on your journey.” Customer Service said as he directed the figure to the appropriate location. 

The humanoid figure emerges in outer space, overlooking the Planet Popstar.

“This is it. That’s where I’ll find the Star Warrior I’ll seek…” The figure said.

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♫Kirby★March Instrumental♫

Meanwhile, down in Dream Land, Kirby is going fishing and heading to the beach while wearing a straw hat, carrying his basket and a fish rod, and singing.

Kirby:

♫The pinkest little ball with the biggest heart is Kirby of the Stars

A legendary hero to save us all from both far and near
When the danger comes in the dread of night,

Then he’ll come flying through in a blinding light

Superstar warrior of our dreams…

We all march behind Kirby♫

Kirby: (spoken) Hehe, that’s me!

Then Kirby concludes his song, and he hears an ominous noise from the sky, and looks up.

“Huh? What was that odd noise?” Kirby wondered, but then he shrugged. “Hmm, whatever.”

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By now at Croc Lair, the Monster Delivery System at the throne room activates on its own, and then it unleashes the shockwave.

And the shockwave interrupted everyone in the lair, the Gatorsaur were eating their lunch, but their food jumped into their faces.

“Hey, what was that?” Gatorsaur Troop No.1 asked.

As for Kroco, Krump and Krusher, they’re building the tower with cards, but then they collapsed after the shockwave.

“Huh?” Krusher asked.

“What was that?! Earthquake?” Kroco asked.

“I don’t think that’s an earthquake, Sir!” Krump assumed.

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At Castle Dedede, Escargoon tells the news about the earthquake that came from Croc Lair.

“Really? Did that earthquake come from Croc Lair?” Dedede asked.

“Yeah, we don’t know what caused this, but I think we shall be investigating there!” Escargoon replied.

“Call the Meta-Knights and the Waddle Dee guards! We need to prepare for combat!” Dedede commands as Escargoon saluted.

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Not long ago, Escargoon and Dedede are already rolling ahead to the Primeval Swamps with the armored car as Meta Knight’s flying after them. The Meta-Knights and Waddle Dee guards are right behind them.

And Grizzo, a large yellow bear who wears a headband, and on his back, he sports a pair of red stripes, is running beside the armored car.

“Looks like Grizzo joined us too!” Escargoon said as Grizzo breathed while running faster.

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At the Croc Lair, Kroco, Krusher and Krump, including are headed to the throne room.

“That shockwave came from my throne room!” Kroco said.

“Sir, didn’t you order another monster from Nightmare Enterprises?” Krump asked.

“I'm not sure!” Kroco replied, as he pointed at his throne room. “Troops, get all in there!”

The Gatorsaur troops run into the throne room, and then suddenly the light flashes all over the room. And they were thrown into Kroco, and Krusher.

And after that, the humanoid figure came through the door, as Dedede, Escargoon, Waddle Guards, Meta Knight and his Meta-Knights had arrived.

“Dedede? What are you doing…” Kroco questioned.

“Save it, lizard lips! We detected the tremors from your swamp, and I bet that came from your Monster Delivery System!” Dedede interrupted as Meta Knight looked at the figure.

The figure flies past through Dedede and Escargoon and heads towards the corridors.

“Whatever it is, it’s getting away!” Escargoon shouted.

“GET THAT GUY!!” Dedede shouted. “WADDLE DEE & DOO GUARDS! META-KNIGHTS! GRIZZO! PURSUE AND RESTRAIN!!

Waddle Dee Guards (including Waddle Doos), Meta-Knights and Grizzo are charging at the humanoid figure.

But when they're confronting the figure, he’s using its machine gun-type punches to take out Waddle Dee and Waddle Doo guards, then is attacked by Grizzo who stands up on his two legs and grabs the figure’s palms.

Then the figure kicks Grizzo’s belly, and leaped backward before he blasts the energy from his right fist and sends the yellow bear flying through the wall and falls to the ground.

Dedede and Escargoon stood in front of the fallen guards, and Grizzo as the mysterious figure turned at King Dedede and flew towards him.

“Alright, let’s see you can handle this!” Dedede said as he pressed the button on the bottom of his hammer.

“Hammer Power Boost, Steel Form!” Dedede shouted as his hammer transformed into a steel form of Dedede Hammer.

It looks like a Wild Hammer, but it’s now covered by a silver steel. It may look heavy, but Dedede is too strong enough to swing it.

“Try this on for size!” Dedede roared as he swung his Steel Hammer and hit the figure’s fist.

The figure smiles and keeps colliding Dedede’s Steel Hammer with his fists many times, until King Dedede swings forward, and then the figure grabs it.

“Eh?!” Dedede gasped as the figure started to swing him around while holding his hammer. “What are you–?! WHOAAAAAAH!”

After swinging Dedede 15 times, the figure tosses him away to the ground, and just when leaped to smash King Dedede, Meta Knight engages the figure and blocks his fist with his Galaxia Sword.

The figure was surrounded by Meta Knight, Sword Knight, Blade Knight, Axe Knight, Mace Knight, Trident Knight, and Javelin Knight.

“Who are you?” Meta Knight questioned, but the figure shoots the energy blasts from his fists and takes down the Meta-Knights.

Enraged, Meta Knight leaped towards the figure who shot the energy blast from his fist again, and Meta Knight cut the energy ball and swung his sword, but missed the figure who leaped over him and landed on his sword.

Meta Knight grunts briefly before the figure is going to attack him again, but then…

“Get out of my way!” Kroco’s voice alerted the figure and he jumped away.

Kroco, Krump and Krusher have arrived as they drive through the halls in their Armored Vehicle to try to deal with the entity.

“We’ve got this troublemaker under control!” Krump shouted as Dedede, Escargoon and Meta Knight jumped out of their way.

As the tank stopped in front of the figure, it shot a cannonball as the entity shot the energy blast from his fist and collided and made a large explosion which destroyed the walls.

“You see? It brings a heavy artillery to take it down.” Kroco said.

“Heh, yeah, but not to mention that you blast through the walls first.” Krump said.

“Those walls are gonna need a little work.” Krusher said.

“How about I smash you to bits next?” A male voice asked, and it from under the tank.

The figure lifts off the tank, and throws it along with Kroco, Krump and Krusher into the lake and makes a huge splash, and the glowing entity floats towards the lake.

“Oh my…! If Kroco’s armored car isn't working on him, it might happen to yours, Sir.” Escargoon said as he and Dedede looked through the hole.

“Well, let’s go hide and be quiet. We have to eavesdrop.” Dedede said as Escargoon nodded as they hid behind the tree.

Krump, King Kroco and Krusher emerge from the lake, and swim to the lakeshore, only confronted by the humanoid figure who stops glowing and reveals his true form.

He has spiky white hair, and white eyes with dark purple eyelids. and wears a red jumpsuit, light green gloves, red shoes, and a green headband with a yellow jewel set in it, and has purple skin.

This is KNUCKLE JOE.

“Thanks, crocs! That was a good workout.” Knuckle Joe said as Kroco stood up and scowled at him.

“Who are you?!” Kroco questioned angrily.

“My name is Knuckle Joe.” Knuckle replied.

Behind the tree, Dedede’s eyes widened in surprise after that figure called himself Knuckle Joe.

“Knuckle Joe?” Dedede asked.

“What?!” Meta Knight asked in shock.

“You know him, sir?” Escargoon asked.

“I know how he looks. He’s one of Dream Landers who attempts to harm Kirby by throwing punches and kicks at him. When inhaled, he grants Kirby the Fighter ability,” Dedede replied.

“Indeed, but this Knuckle Joe is not just any Dream Lander, Sir. He’s different from any Knuckle Joes you’ve faced.” Meta Knight whispered as Dedede looked confused at him.

“Now answer my question. Where’s the Star Warrior?” Knuckle Joe demanded as Kroco, Krump, Krusher looked both surprised and confused at him.

“Huh?” Dedede and Escargoon gasped; they wonder why Knuckle Joe is looking for the Star Warrior.

“I know he’s here on this planet. Now where is he?!” Knuckle Joe demanded.

The three Gatorsaurs blinked in confusion, until Krump whispered to Kroco’s ears. “Majesty, I think he’s looking for our pink and round adversary…”

Kroco grins after he knows what Krump means, then starts to laugh. “My dear Knuckle Joe, I believe I know which Star Warrior you’re looking for.”

“Then spill your guts, crocodile!” Joe said.

“What you see, this is King ‘Congo’ Kroco, the monstrous monarch of Gatorsaurs. We are a living species that aspires to reign over Dream Land in the manner of the dinosaurs, who ruled it for millions of years.” General Krump said.

“Can you repeat that?” Knuckle Joe asked as Kroco’s left eye went wide in shock.

“Oh, never mind that, sonny. I know just ONE Star Warrior you’re looking for. His name is Kirby.” King Kroco said as Knuckle Joe smiled after he found Kirby is the Star Warrior.

“Kirby, huh? Good… I’m coming for you, Kirby.” Knuckle Joe said.

Behind the tree, Dedede’s eyes widened horrified, whispered. “Oh, dear…”

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A little later, Kirby is down at the seaside fishing. He got a bite, and pulled his fish rod and caught another fish in the hook.

“Mmm, another catch.” Kirby said delightfully as he put the fish in his fish basket. 

He already catches 12 fishes and was about to attach a half-bitten apple on the hook, but suddenly an Armored Vehicle stopped in front of the pink puffball. Dedede and Escargoon jumped off the car and ran to Kirby.

“Oh, hey, guys! Do you wanna go fishing with me?” Kirby asked.

“Yeah, it would be nice, Kirby. But I’ve got some news. Really bad news!” Dedede said.

“What bad news? King Kroco has ordered a monster from Nightmare Enterprises again?” Kirby asked as he picked up his fish rod and basket.

“Actually, that monster hacked through the Nightmare Enterprises and made it out by himself, and he called himself Knuckle Joe.” Escargoon said.

“Knuckle Joe? You mean that one of my enemies I sometimes encounter and copy his ability that I transform into my Fighter Ability form?” Kirby asked.

“Yeah, but that Knuckle Joe is different from regular Knuckle Joes you’ve met! And he’s looking for you because you’re the Star Warrior.” Dedede said.

“That little guy had a serious punch, and he was extremely powerful. He's even withstanding King Dedede’s hammer and deflected Meta Knight’s sword.” Escargoon said.

After hearing that, Kirby becomes determined and nodded. “Right. Then I’ll go and stop him!”

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At Kirby’s house, Knuckle Joe burst through the door.

“Kirby! Where are you?! Show yourself!” Knuckle Joe shouted, but he saw Bandana Dee is doing the chores in the house, he’s dust cleaning with his broom.

“Hey! How rude of you to burst through the door and shout for Kirby. He’s not here.” Bandana Dee said bitterly.

“You mean he’s not here?!” Knuckle Joe questioned.

“No, but if you want to see him, please wait outside, Knuckle Joe.” Bandana Dee said.

“Grr… Such waste of time…!” Knuckle Joe mumbled angrily before he went out and slammed the door to close it.

“Geez, what’s his problem?” Bandana Dee mumbled irritatedly as he kept dust cleaning.

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Outside Kirby’s house, Knuckle Joe angrily pinned Kroco against the tree.

“You said that Kirby lives in this house, and he’s not even there!!” Knuckle Joe shouted.

“L-L-Look, I thought he was here right now! B-But I didn’t know he’s somewhere else!” Kroco stammered.

“I’m beginning to lose my patience, Kroco. And you don’t want to see me lose my patience!” Knuckle Joe growled.

“Now calm down! Don't lose more patience, okay?! I assure you, Kirby will show up any second now.” Kroco assured. 

Knuckle Joe let King Kroco go and Krump approached the king.

“Uhm, King Kroco, sir. I would like to propose that if we allow Knuckle Joe to attack Dream Village and its foolish commoners, perhaps Kirby will eventually appear.” General Krump suggested as Kroco smiles.

“Why, General Krump, my dear general, that's a brilliant idea! For once your pea-sized brain could be useful sometimes.” Kroco coos.

“Hold up! I am not interested in attacking the other people or the villages. This has nothing to do with them!” Knuckle Joe protested.

“Think about it, Joe. If you were to attack the villagers, Kirby would not hesitate to help. And then you got a perfect opportunity to finish him. What do you say?” Kroco said as Knuckle Joe sighed impatiently.

“Oh… If this is the only way to lure Kirby to come to me… Fine, but if you ever tricked me again, then I don’t hesitate to smash you! Then I’ll go out to search after him and destroy anything in my path! Got it?” Joe warned.

“Okay, I understand.” Kroco said. “And believe me, I would never trick you. Now, get to work, smarty-pants!”

“Fine, fine. Let’s get going, shall we?!” Joe asked impatiently.

“Right, let’s go!” Kroco said as he, Knuckle Joe, Krusher and Krump are heading to the Dream Village.

But they didn’t notice Bandana Dee who was listening through the door, and was now terrified that Kroco and Knuckle Joe planned to attack the village until Kirby shows up.

“Oh, man… This is not good…! I’ve got to tell Kirby…!” Bandana Dee whispered worriedly.

Speaking of the devil, Kirby, Dedede and Escargoon have arrived at Kirby’s house with the armored vehicle, and after Bandana Dee saw them, he came out of the door.

“Kirby, this is bad! Kroco and Knuckle Joe are heading to the village, and they’re going to attack the people! We have to stop them!” Bandana Dee shouted.

“I know, but they’re using their plan to attract me. I don’t know what they are up to, but all I know is to stop them.” Kirby said.

“But they are too far ahead of you!” Bandana Dee said worriedly.

“Don’t worry. Meta Knight went ahead to tell Squeak Squad, Animal Friends, and the other Dream Friends to stop him.” Dedede assured.

“Hopefully it will slow him down before Kirby comes in just in time.” Escargoon said.

“I need to hurry before he’s going to smash the whole village!” Kirby said as he ran towards the village. “I hope I’m not too late!”

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At the village, Knuckle Joe uppercuts and strikes Bugzzy’s chin which causes the big beetle to fall down to the ground. And then Spinni shows up and uses his speed to tackle Knuckle Joe who dodges his attack.

“Catch me if you can!” Spinni taunted before Knuckle Joe stood in front of him.

“Get lost, you little pest.” Knuckle Joe said before he flicks his point finger and sends Spinni into the Cappy’s house.

Behind Knuckle Joe, Storo landed and shouted angrily. “I’M GONNA SQUASH YA LIKE A CHEESE!!”

“Don’t get in my way, you big rat!” Knuckle Joe shouted angrily before he shot the energy blast from his fist and sent Storo to the ground.

And then a rosy web descends from above, grabs Knuckle Joe who grunts angrily. It was Taranza who held him with his web.

“Okay, Knuckle Joe. Just stand down, and tell us why you want to fight Kirby?” Taranza asked.

“This has nothing to do with you, now back off!” Knuckle Joe shouted as he broke loose the web and punched Taranza to the ground.

Then he heard a primitive roar behind him, and there’s Bonkers who swung his hammer and Knuckle Joe blocked it with his knuckle.

“Two choices. Leave this village or feel my hammer’s wrath!” Bonkers warned, but Knuckle Joe ignored that, and he punched hard at the gorilla’s cheek and sent him to the ground.

“Now it is you who feel my knuckle’s wrath.” Joe growled before a giant robot landed in front of him. “A robot?”

It’s Susie, who pilots her Business Suit, who is ready to battle.

“Stay right where you are. Whatever your reason with Kirby is, we won’t let you harm the people here. So I give you advice to leave at once.” Susie said.

“If you’re friends with that Kirby, then you’re all my enemies too! And I want to smash you all!!” Knuckle Joe shouted.

“That's what you're wrong!” Susie shouted as she charged her Business Suit up, then slid across the room, her mech's arms spinning rapidly as she did so.

Then Knuckle Joe grabs the mech’s arms and slams the robot and Susie to the ground.

“Kirby! Your friends have fallen! Now it’s you and me! Come out and fight, or are you scared?” Knuckle Joe shouted, as the Cappies like Mabel, Chief Bookem, Samo, Mayor Len Blustergas, Honey, Spikehair and Iroo were scared and hiding in the houses while watching the boy’s rampage.

On the Ebrum’s Mansion’s balcony, Tiff, Tuff, Lady Lisa, Sir Ebrum and Baron Gallic stood there and watched Knuckle Joe’s rampage in horror.

“Who was that?” Lady Lisa asked.

“I don’t know who that was, dear, but he looks terrifyingly strong.” Sir Ebrum replied.

“Kroco totally lost it this time! Is he sending a monster to hurt the Dream Friends and attack the village?!” Tuff questioned.

“Whoever that monster is, I am sure Kirby will come to the rescue just in time.” Tiff said.

Suddenly the pair of robot arms came from the ground level and grabbed Tiff and pulled her down.

“TIFF!” Tuff, Lady Lisa, Sir Ebrum and Baron Gallic shouted.

It was General Krump who used the robot arms and then grabbed Tiff’s arm.

“Let me go, you big-bellied lizard!” Tiff shouted angrily.

“Today you will be a decoy for the Star Warrior.” General Krump said.

“Let my daughter go, General Krump!” Sir Ebrum demanded angrily.

“We’re coming, Tiff!” Lady Lisa shouted as the Ebrum Family ran inside.

But as they’re heading to the exit, they are stopped by Krusher and Gatorsaurs who unsheathe their swords.

“You’re not going anywhere. Stay right where you are.” Krusher said.

Outside the mansion, Tiff was dragged by Krump who called. “Hey, Joe! Here’s your practice target!”

Knuckle Joe turned his head at Tiff and Krump, and gasped. “Hey! What are you doing with that girl?”

“This girl is the one who hides Kirby somewhere in Dream Land.” King Kroco said as he stood beside him. “But if you hurt her, then Kirby won’t hesitate to show up.”

“Don’t listen to him! He’s lying to you!” Tiff shouted.

“Hold on! Kirby is my opponent, not that girl! She doesn’t have to do with me anyway!” Knuckle Joe protested.

“This is the only way. Now, ATTACK!!” Kroco commands.

“Fine…” Knuckle Joe sighed as he closed his eyes, before he turned his head at Tiff who was captured by Krump's robot arms. “Sorry, girl… But I must!”

“NO!!” Tiff screamed before Knuckle Joe shot the energy blast from his fist at her.

Suddenly, Kirby leaped over Ebrum Mansion before he landed and deflected the energy blast with his arm and sent it to the sky before it exploded. Then he punched Krump’s belly and broke his remote control to the robot arms to let Tiff go.

“Huh?” Knuckle Joe asked.

“Well, what do you know? General Krump's plan has been successful.” Kroco said as he smirks about Kirby having arrived in impeccable timing.

Kirby turned around to face Knuckle Joe with his stern, but determined expression while taking two steps towards him. “Knuckle Joe. Here I am.”

“Kirby, you’re here!” Tiff cries happily as Knuckle Joe gasped in surprise and looked now dumbfounded.

“Wait a darn minute… You’re Kirby?” Knuckle Joe asked, surprised.

“Yeah, who else I am, Super Mario?” Kirby asked as Joe blinked his eyes in confusion.

“Uh… What? Uh, I mean, you are really the Star Warrior too?” Knuckle Joe asked, confused.

“Yeah, and what else I am, Pokémon Trainer, huh?” Kirby asked, annoyed.

Knuckle Joe groaned, embarrassed and put his hand on his forehead, and said in his head. “Crud… How can this beach ball-shaped buffoon be the Star Warrior? I don’t feel like fighting at all.”

“Anyway, hurting innocent people is something I don't tolerate.” Kirby said to snap Knuckle Joe back to reality. “I'm giving you this chance to leave quietly. I don't wanna settle this thing with violence, but you must understand, if you stay, you will leave me with no choice but to fight.”

“Even so, is he really the Star Warrior? Or he’s just a comedian, or just superhero-in-training?” Knuckle Joe asked in his head.

“What are you doing standing there around, Knuckle Joe?! Kirby’s right there, and this is where you want him! Is there any problem?” Kroco questioned angrily.

“I’m just gathering my thoughts! I fight when I’m ready!” Joe barked, then started to talk to himself. “Well, fine… Strength has nothing to do with looks.”

Then Knuckle Joe is ready to fight Kirby, and shouts. “Alright, Kirby! Fight me!”

“Yes, but not here.” Kirby says before dashing towards Joe and grabs his left arm with his two arms.

Knuckle Joe gasped, surprised; he let his guard down, and thoughts. “How did he get so fast?”

“We’re fighting outside the village!” Kirby said before he swung Knuckle Joe several times before he hurled him towards and higher to the sky while Joe’s screaming.

Then Kirby dashing towards the exit of the village to catch up to Joe who is now outside the village.

“Wow…!” Tiff gasped, amazed, then Tuff came out of the mansion and stood with her.

“Tiff, we’ve gotta help Kirby! Call the Warp Star!” Tuff said.

“No, I think he’s going to be fine. Besides, I don’t know why Knuckle Joe is looking for Kirby. I’m gonna have to find out!” Tiff said as she and Tuff ran out to catch up to Kirby.

Kroco growled that he would expect that Kirby shall run away, but instead he’s fighting Knuckle Joe. Krump walks next to Kroco.

“Well, I think that’s not according to my plan, Sir.” Krump said.

“It doesn’t matter, General Krump! Besides, now when Knuckle Joe finds him, we can finally wipe out Kirby from this planet, and now I’ll get what I want! Dream Land is mine, ALL MINE AGAIN!!” Kroco declared victoriously.

“HELP! I’M OUT OF HERE!!” Krusher screamed as he and the other Gatosaur soldiers came out of the door of Ebrum Mansion and headed out to the exit of the village.

“Come on, let’s get moving!” Kroco said as he and Krump followed after Kirby.

At the entrance, Lady Lisa holding her fan and Edward grinding his fist into his palm, while Lololo & Lalala stretched their arms, and Baron Gallic crossed his arms.

“Gosh, talk about a bunch of cowardly geckos.” Lady Lisa said.

“Yes, my ladyship. They have no manners to treat us that way.” Baron Gallic said.

“That’s what happens when they’re trying to mess with my daughter.” Sir Ebrum said.

Bugzzy helped Bonkers up on his feet, while Spinni, Storo and Susie got up.

“Come on, we’ve gotta see Kirby and Knuckle Joe fighting in the open field!” Susie suggested as Taranza got up.

“Yeah, that’s a good idea.” Taranza said. “Let’s go!”

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At the rock terrain of Green Gardens, Knuckle Joe falls towards the ground and crashes into it, while buried headfirst. Then he worked his way out and spit the rocks out of his mouth.

“Ugh! That guy is really not weak as he looks. I guess he really is as strong as I thought.” Knuckle Joe muttered as he got up and cleaned the dust off him.

Then he saw Kirby who halted in front of Knuckle Joe.

♫Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero OST - Gohan vs. Gamma♫

“Here we can fight whenever you want, Knuckle Joe. Now tell me, what is the reason you want to fight me?” Kirby asked.

“I’ve come to avenge my father. He was destroyed by a Star Warrior.” Knuckle Joe replied.

“What? Your father?” Kirby gasped, as he remembered his father, Ginga, but he didn't remember Joe’s father. “What are you talking about? I don’t know your father!”

“You’re about to find out when I’ll smash you to bits!” Knuckle Joe shouted as Tiff, Tuff, the Dream Friends, even Kroco, Krump and Krusher arrived.

“Kirby…!” Tiff whispered.

“Go get ‘em, Kirby!” Tuff shouted.

“Take this, VULCAN JAB!!” Knuckle Joe shouted as he fired rapid-fire styled energy blasts from his fists at Kirby.

Kirby deflected his attacks with his arms and feet.

“VULCAN JAB!! VULCAN JAB!!” Knuckle Joe shouted as he kept firing his Vulcan Jabs at Kirby who kept deflecting them.

“SMASH PUNCH!!” Knuckle Joe roared, and he's firing a blast of energy from his fist at Kirby who grabs the Smash Punch and tosses it into the sky.

“I know your attacks, Knuckle Joe. There are other ones who look like you with the same techniques. But I could tell that you’re stronger than you look.” Kirby said.

“You mean, there are others who look like me?” Knuckle Joe questioned.

“Yeah, that’s why I trained with them before I left Popstar to take a long nap before I returned.” Kirby replied.

“Grrr…” Knuckle Joe growled. “Then show me… Show me the result of your training with those weak Knuckle Joes!”

Kirby nodded as he slowly took steps forward before rushing towards Knuckle Joe, shouting and delivering a strong punch from his arm. Joe then crossed his arms to defend himself.

Then Kirby delivers another punch, but Knuckle Joe blocks his attack. He then kicks the pink puffball twice, and then they wrestle with their palms.

Knuckle Joe then uses his foot to sweep Kirby's legs, causing the Star Warrior to lose his balance, and then slamming Kirby to the ground. Joe's foot glows, and he leaps high.

“SPIN KICK!!” Knuckle Joe shouted and fired his energy blast from his foot at Kirby who quickly got up and dodged it.

Then Knuckle Joe dives with his swung foot to kick Kirby who blocked the attack, and Kirby grabs his torso, then he does a flying suplex and sends Knuckle Joe flying on impact.

“Tiff, they’re both incredibly strong!” Tuff said, amazed.

“To be honest it’s freaking me out. This battle’s atmosphere is different from between Kirby and Meta Knight.” Tiff said.

Then in just in time, King Dedede, Escargoon and Bandana Dee have arrived with the Armored Vehicle.

“Sorry that we’re late! But we’ve already told Kirby that Knuckle Joe is different from any Knuckle Joes we’ve met.” Dedede said.

“He came out of the Monster Delivery System and was looking for Kirby to challenge him.” Escargoon said.

“He is?!” Tuff asked.

“But why? And what do you mean “Knuckle Joe is different from any Knuckle Joes”?” Tiff asked.

“I don’t know, but Sir Meta Knight knows that Knuckle Joe. I wonder why.” Bandana Dee said.

Back to Kirby and Knuckle Joe…

“Knuckle Joe. I know that you came from the Monster Delivery System and are looking after me. But seeing my friends getting hurt is an unforgivable move.” Kirby said.

“Unforgivable? Tch!” Knuckle Joe scoffed arrogantly. “They’re just getting in my way, so I smash ‘em all to clean my path. They are nothing but a nuisance.”

Kirby tensed up a little at that. Coming after him is one thing, but his friends? That’s where he crossed the line. 

The young Star Warrior dashes towards Knuckle Joe and throws his punches, but Knuckle Joe dodges them many times before grabs by Kirby’s left arm, then kicks his stomach. Then he grabs Kirby’s feet and swings him around and tosses him to the rock boulder.

Then Kirby leaped out of the rock debris, and questioned. “You mean my friends are nothing but a nuisance to you?!”

“That’s right. It's just common sense.” Knuckle Joe continued. “If those weaklings are on your side, then they are accomplices, partners in crimes, henchmen. Simple as that.”

♫Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero OST - Awakening♫

“That’s not true! They were fighting because they wanted to protect the Dream Land! And I was fighting to protect both this whole planet and the universe from the evil Emperor Nightmare! I am doing this because I care and love this planet!” Kirby shouted.

“If that’s so, then why don’t you know about my father? Huh?!” Knuckle Joe questioned angrily. “That is why I’ll do whatever it takes to win to avenge my father’s death!”

Knuckle Joe then leaped at Kirby, then punches two times and sent him flying after kicking him to the ground, but the pink puffball got up and looked angrily.

“I don’t know who your father is, but all I know is that I still have my friends and Dream Land to protect. My friends are MY power!!” Kirby shouted.

Kirby then jumped in Knuckle Joe's direction, quickly jabbing him with his left arm before kicking him to the ground. Knuckle Joe lets out an angry grunt before charging at Kirby and tackling him to the ground. 

He then uses his fast-paced, stylish punches, but they are blocked by Kirby arms, and Kirby kicks him to the ground once more.

Knuckle Joe gets up, and shouts “SMASH PUNCH!!” and fires his energy blast from his fist, but again Kirby blocks that attack with his arms and sends it back to Knuckle Joe and hits him.

“Grr… You’ve gotta be-” Knuckle Joe groaned before being punched by Kirby’s arm.

Then they collide their fists and feet while they keep fighting.

“You can do it, Kirby!” Tiff cheered.

“Kick his butt!” Tuff cheered.

“Go Kirby! Go Kirby! Go, go, go!” Dedede and Escargoon cheered.

Then Kirby kicks Knuckle Joe’s head, which makes Joe slide backwards and glares at him then Joe leaps out and rapidly punches at Kirby, only for the puffball to dodge every hit.

“Why don't you stand still and die with honor?!” Knuckle Joe shouted angrily.

“Sorry, Knuckle Joe, but it’s too early to say “Game Over”!” Kirby shouted as he punches and kicks Knuckle Joe, who grabs Kirby and slams him to the ground.

“No!” Tiff shouted.

“Kirby!” Tuff shouted.

“Come on, little buddy! You can do it!” Dedede shouted.

“Excellent! Go, Knuckle Joe!” King Kroco cheered. “Show him what it means to be the strongest one there is!”

Then Knuckle Joe grabs Kirby’s left arm, swings him and tosses him into another rock boulder. He then remembers Kirby’s words that his friends are his power, it gives him a sneaky idea and grins.

“Hey, Kirby! If you said your friends are your power, then you can watch them die!” Knuckle Joe said as he turned around and fired his Smash Punch at Tiff.

“TIFF!!!” Kirby shouted.

“AAAH!” Tiff screamed.

“Tiff, look out!” Tuff and Bandana Dee shouted.

As the energy blast is approaching Tiff, a vast funnel of air came from Kirby’s mouth and sucked in Knuckle Joe’s Smash Punch and swallowed it.

“What?!” Knuckle Joe questioned angrily.

♫Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero OST - The Evil Organization?♫

“Ability, copied! And… TRANSFORMS!!” Kirby shouted as his whole body glowed.

As he transforms, Kirby gains an iconic red headband with a star emblazoned on it. After he wears it, he makes energy pulses with his hands and does a little spin.

Kirby transforms into… “FIGHTER KIRBY!!” He shouted.

Knuckle Joe took his steps backwards in surprise before Fighter Kirby dashed towards him, and Joe blocked Kirby’s fist, this time Kirby pushes his fist back then punches at Knuckle Joe three times before delivering a strong kick that sends him to the ground.

Infuriating and frustrating, Knuckle Joe got up and slammed his fist to the ground, and turned to Kirby, and questioned angrily. “What is this?!”

“What?! This isn’t possible!” Kroco asked, infuriating as Krump and Krusher gasped in terror.

“All right!” Tuff shouted.

“What is transformed this time?” Tiff asked.

“Great! Kirby has transformed into Fighter Kirby!” Dedede cheers.

“That Ability Form will raise Kirby’s fighting power to the max!” Susie cheers.

As Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe collided their fists, Kirby questioned. “What Star Warrior who destroyed your father are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about YOU, Kirby!” Knuckle Joe shouted as he fired his Smash Punch from his fist.

“ARE YOU INSANE?!” Fighter Kirby shouted, questionably, as he deflects Joe’s Smash Punch with his arm and sends it to the sky.

“You’ve been tricked by Kroco’s order to make you believe that I killed your father! He even forced you to hurt my friend and attacked my village, and tried to destroy Tiff!” Fighter Kirby shouted.

“You’re wrong!!” Knuckle Joe shouted.

“DON’T BELIEVE HIS LIES, KNUCKLE JOE!! JUST EXTERMINATE HIM!!” Kroco roared, then turned at frightened Krump and Krusher, and shouted. “Krump! Krusher! Get out there and help Knuckle Joe out now!”

“Yes, sir! On the double!” Krump saluted.

“I don’t think so!” Taranza’s voice came from above them, and Taranza used a rosy web to tie Krump and Krusher up, and turned them into cocoon pods.

“HELP! GET ME OUT OF HERE!” Krump shouted, muffled.

“It’s too dark in here!” Krusher cries, muffled.

“Sorry, but this is the fight between Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe.” Taranza said.

“You’ll pay for your insolence for turning my minions into cocoons, you lumpy piece of repulsive insect!” Kroco shouted angrily before Dedede grabbed his arm and tossed it to Bonkers who tied the crocodile king with vines.

“That will keep your yap shut, croc.” Bonkers said as Kroco growled and Dedede laughed.

On the top of the high cliff, Meta Knight and Daroach stood there and watched Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe fighting in the open field.

“Man, it’s been a while since I saw Fighter Kirby in action.” Daroach said, then turned to Meta Knight. “Meta Knight, are you sure this Knuckle Joe is the son of the great Star Warrior?”

“Yes, and his body was possessed by a shadow monster within him.” Meta Knight replied. “We must tell him the truth about his father’s death.”

“Right. But for now, let’s see what Fighter Kirby really can do.” Daroach said.

“SMASH PUNCH!!” Fighter Kirby shouted as he fired a blast of energy from his fist at Knuckle Joe who dodged the attack.

“SPIN KICK!!” Kirby shouted and fired his energy blast from his foot and hit Knuckle Joe, as Fighter Kirby landed.

“VULCAN JAB!!” Fighter Kirby shouted as he fired rapid-fire styled energy blasts from his fists and hit Knuckle Joe who slid backwards.

“Grr…! What are you, a copycat?!” Knuckle Joe questioned.

“That’s my Copy Ability form. And I’ve copied your ability with my Inhale power and I have become Fighter Kirby.” Kirby explained.

“Well, it doesn’t matter how many forms you transform, you’ll never win!! SMASH PUNCH!” Knuckle Joe yelled before he shouted as he's firing a blast of energy from his fist at Kirby.

“SMASH PUNCH!!” Fighter Kirby shouted as he fired a blast of energy from his fist and deflected Knuckle Joe’s Smash Punch.

“SPIN KICK!!” Knuckle Joe shouted and fired his energy blast from his foot at Kirby.

“SPIN KICK!!” Fighter Kirby shouted and fired his energy blast from his foot and deflected Knuckle Joe’s Spin Kick.

“VULCAN JAB!!” Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe shouted and fired rapid-fire styled energy blasts from their fists and their attacks both deflected.

Then Knuckle Joe rushes to Fighter Kirby, and they both collide their fists and feet until Knuckle Joe kicks Kirby and sends him flying to the ground again.

“Ugh, you can’t just believe what King Kroco said. He’s the bad guy!” Fighter Kirby said as he took one step backward and cupped his arms.

“Bad guy?! King Kroco told me that the only bad guy here is you!” Knuckle Joe shouted.

“How unfortunate. Catch this!” Fighter Kirby said as he charged the energy, and then shouted, “FORCE BLAST!!” 

And then Kirby fires a small yet powerful blast of energy at Knuckle Joe who blocked his attack with his palms.

“Wait! Who’s unfortunate?” Knuckle Joe questioned.

“Seems like there's a crocodile king who’s giving you a lousy order!” Fighter Kirby as he took one step and cupped his arms and charged the energy, and then shouted, “MEGA FORCE BLAST!!” 

And then Kirby fires a larger more powerful blast of energy at Knuckle Joe who also fires a larger more powerful blast of energy and deflects an attack, and causes a large explosion.

“So what if he did?! He told me there’s a Star Warrior in Planet Popstar, and I’ve found you!” Knuckle Joe questioned angrily.

“What if you’re taking those messed-up orders based on false information you received from King Kroco?” Kirby asked.

“THERE’S NO WAY THAT’S TRUE!!!” Knuckle Joe roared as he dashed towards Fighter Kirby and kicked him in the face.

And then he knocks Kirby into a cliff and sees the rock boulder on the cliff’s edge, and fires his Smash Punch, causing the rock to fall at Fighter Kirby.

Fighter Kirby saw it, and his fists glowed and shouted. “RISING BREAK!!” Then he does a powerful uppercut and digs through the rock boulder before he splits it into two halves.

Tiff, Tuff, Bandana Dee, Dedede, Escargoon, Dream Friends and the three Gatorsaurs gasped after seeing Kirby’s formidable strength split the rock boulder, then Fighter Kirby stood in front of Knuckle Joe.

“I know you can feel something is wrong about all this.” Kirby said.

“Stop lying!” Knuckle Joe shouted as he put his hand on his head, then started to think. “I won’t fall for your lies, Star Warrior. I won’t lose to you… THIS IS FOR YOU, FATHER!!”

Then as Knuckle Joe dashing towards Fighter Kirby who’s about to counter, suddenly Meta Knight jumps down and blocks Knuckle Joe's fist with his sword.

Knuckle Joe leaped backward and now faced Meta Knight, and then he saw Daroach flying towards Joe and using his claw to scratch Knuckle Joe but missed.

“Who are you two? Stay out of this! It’s none of your business!” Knuckle Joe shouted as Daroach floated backwards to Meta Knight’s side.

“Sir Meta Knight? Daroach?” Tiff asked.

“What are they doing here?” Tuff asked.

“I believe it’s time for Knuckle Joe to learn the truth about his father's death.” Dedede said. “Meta Knight told me that.”

“What?” Tiff and Tuff asked in surprise.

“You mean… he has to know now?” Taranza asked.

“Fighter Kirby, you’re having a great battle. But I need to speak with Knuckle Joe, and he needs to know. I was curious about something and wanted to see for myself.” Meta Knight said as he approached Knuckle Joe.

“Okay.” Fighter Kirby nodded, then asked Daroach. “What’s going on here?”

“You’re about to find out now. It’s an emotional story.” Daroach whispered.

“I warned you. Stay out of my way.” Knuckle Joe threatened.

“There’s no mistake. It is you, Knuckle Joe.” Meta Knight said. “The enemy you seek is not Kirby, but your father.”

“Wha-?!” Knuckle Joe gasped. “What are you saying? My father’s… my enemy?!”

“The one who destroys your father is himself.” Meta Knight replied as Knuckle Joe gasped in shock.

“What? M-M-My father… destroyed himself?” Knuckle Joe stammered in shock as he took two steps backward, then he demanded, “How could this happen? Explain!”

Meta Knight sheathed his Galaxia Sword and started to explain. “Your father, Jecra, and I were Star Warriors who fought side by side.”

As Meta Knight started to explain the backstory about Knuckle Joe’s father Jecra fought together with Meta Knight and cut the various monsters from Nightmares Enterprises with their swords.

“Your father was strong, brave and a top-skilled soldier. Many soldiers honed their skills because of him.” Meta Knight continues as we can see the other Star Warriors were behind him and Jecra in the past.

“I was also proud to have him as my friend.” Meta Knight continues as he and Jecra were camping in the forest.

“But suddenly we were caught unaware by a monster ambush.” Meta Knight continues as the various monsters show up and slaughter his comrades while they’re sleeping.

“The attack came while we slept, and many of our comrades were killed. And then your father…” Meta Knight continues as Jecra was kidnapped by a flying dragon-like monster and flew off.

“Meta Knight! Save me!” Jecra shouted as Meta Knight turned away from a giant centipede monster and cut it in two pieces

“JECRA!!” Meta Knight shouted as he saw Jecra disappear in the horizon.

“I was sure he was gone forever. But the monster brought him to the evil Emperor Nightmare.” Meta Knight continues as the scene cuts into only black background while the injured Jecra struggles while levitating.

“Are you injured, Jecra? Hmhmhm.” Nightmare chuckles wickedly as he floats besides Jecra, and chuckles as he summons the evil red orb from his right palm.

“Then take this Dark Orb. Use this, and your dying life will be restored.” Nightmare said as the Dark Orb begins pulsing with a dark glow and absorbs itself into Jecra's body. 

Jecra writhes in pain briefly as his body glows red, then electric discharges from his body, and then his eyes open and glow red, and now in Nightmare’s possession as the evil emperor menacingly.

Later, at the mountain terrain on another planet, Meta Knight and his remaining comrades saw Jecra who approached menacingly towards them.

“No one was more overjoyed than I at his miraculous return. However, my joy has turned into both fear and bitter sorrow. He has changed. I knew that he had lost to Nightmare’s temptation. He now has the side of the monsters.” Meta Knight continues as Jecra leads the monsters from Nightmare Enterprises and commands them to attack.

FLASHBACK CHANGED TO PRESENT DAY…

“Wait, you mean Jecra, Knuckle Joe’s father, has been turned into a monster by a Dark Orb and followed Nightmare’s orders?” Fighter Kirby asked.

“I’m sorry to tell you this, but… Yeah, he sadly is.” Daroach replied.

“That’s not true! You’re a liar! I refuse to believe that my father was a monster!” Knuckle Joe shouted angrily.

“Even so, he still struggles within the monster, and he stabbed himself with his sword.” Meta Knight said as he picked up Jecra’s sword.

“That’s… my father’s sword. Where the heck did you get it?” Knuckle Joe asked.

“I swear this sword belongs to your father- and my friend, who strikes through the monster inside his body.” Meta Knight said. “And that’s not all…”

Meta Knight picked up a pendant, gave it to Knuckle Joe and said, “I swear by his love.”

Knuckle Joe opened his pendant and saw an image of him as a baby. 

But the colors of his hair, face, body, and hands are different than he looks; he has yellow hair, blue jumpsuit, white gloves, blue shoes, and a red hairband with a yellow star symbol on it.

“That’s… me?” Knuckle Joe gasped, then looked up at Meta Knight.

“Yes. Even at the end, your father never let it go.” Meta Knight nodded.

FLASHBACK CONTINUES…

As the flashback resumes, Jecra stabbed his chest with his own sword and fell down to the ground.

“NO!!” Meta Knight shouted as he rushed towards Jecra. “Jecra…! Why?!”

“I’m so sorry, Meta Knight… But I’ve had no other choice… To destroy the monster inside me, I must sacrifice my life…!” Jecra said.

“Jecra… Why do you sacrifice yourself? There’s another way to stop the monster within you.” Meta Knight asked.

“Because… I still have my son… Knuckle Joe…” Jecra said as he slowly picked up the pendant and gave it to Meta Knight.

“If he still lives… Then there is still the hope of the universe… He will not do it alone… Him… Kirby… Sirica… If they all worked together as the next generations of the Star Warriors… Nothing can defeat them as long as they're together… as siblings… as the guardians of the universe…” Jecra said.

“Oh, yeah… One more thing… If you find him… tell my son… that I loved him… very much…” Jecra said, and with his dying words, his hand falls to the ground.

“His love was the power that drove him to live even after becoming a monster; the love for his son.” Meta Knight said.

FLASHBACK ENDED

“Poor Jecra…” Tiff sniffed as she could feel tears in her eyes. “He sacrificed his life because of his love for his son.”

“Yeah, he was a good guy.” Tuff nodded.

“Now there is a father looking for his little boy all the time.” Escargoon said tearfully.

“Yes, parental love is indeed a powerful form of love.” Susie said.

“I didn't know he had the heart of the Star Warrior at the end.” Bandana Dee said.

“I never knew my father!” Escargoon crying.

“Come here, Escargoon…” Dedede soothes as he hugged Escargoon.

“Group hug.” Bonkers said as he hugged Escargoon as well to comfort him while Kroco, Krump and Krusher got freed from Taranza’s web, but they got tears in their eyes too.

“Oh… It's the most beautiful thing I ever hear. It warms the cockles of my cold, cold, coldblooded heart.” King Kroco said, then crying as Krump and Krusher hugged him to comfort him.

“Knuckle Joe. Your father wished with all his heart to see you again.” Fighter Kirby said.

Knuckle Joe closes his pendant, then closes his eyes while having tears, while sobbing a little while confused Kirby, Meta Knight, Daroach, Tiff, Tuff, Dedede, Kroco and the others. 

And then Joe tosses the pendant to the ground in rage while shouting. “NO!!”

“My father was a fool! Just a spineless coward!” Knuckle Joe shouted angrily.

“Yes, and it’s a shame it would be if the son he loved so much turned into a monster.” Meta Knight said.

“What?! I am not a monster!” Knuckle Joe said as he clenched his fist in rage.

“Those who throw away reason and live by hatred are monsters.” Meta Knight said.

“I’m afraid he’s right, Knuckle Joe.” Daroach said as he floated closer to Knuckle Joe. “It’s possible you have become a monster.”

“Like for example, you came out of the Monster Delivery System, taking false information from King Kroco, attacked the village, beat down my comrades and the other Dream Friends, and battled Kirby, and never listened to his truths.” Daroach continues.

“That’s definitely what monsters would do.” Daroach said.

“No, you’re wrong! I’m not a monster!” Knuckle Joe yelled as Fighter Kirby slowly approached him.

“You know, Knuckle Joe? You have been living in hatred for a long time. That’s the perfect conditions for Nightmare.” Fighter Kirby said.

“So what!? That’s not proof I’m a monster!” Knuckle Joe barked.

“Then allow me to prove it. SMASH PUNCH…” Fighter Kirby said as he dashed towards Knuckle Joe while swung his arm towards his chest and stopped. “SHOCKWAVE STYLE!”

Then Fighter Kirby released his Smash Punch’s shockwave impact through Knuckle Joe, and then the white glow came out of his body.

After the white glow hits the ground, it fades and reveals Knuckle Joe’s real form.

He now has spiky yellow hair, wears a blue jumpsuit, white gloves, blue shoes, and a red headband with a star set in it. He is also shown to have two small red shoulder pads.

Tiff, Tuff, Bandana Dee, King Dedede, Escargoon, Susie, Bonkers, Taranza, Kroco, Krump and Krusher gasped in surprise.

“Goodness… Didn’t see that coming…!” Escargoon gasped.

“Oh my stars and garters! That must be Knuckle Joe’s true form!” Bandana Dee said, amazed.

“Incredible…” Tiff gasped, amazed.

“Wow… How did you do that, Kirby?” Daroach asked, amazed.

“Good thinking, Kirby. Using your Smash Punch’s shockwave impact to force Knuckle Joe’s real form out of the monster’s body.” Meta Knight said as the real Knuckle Joe gets up.

“Grr… Why you…” Knuckle Joe growled, then he looked at his gloves.

Then he’s looking at his bodysuit, and feet. Then he turned to the water pond to see the reflection on his face; he got yellow hair and a different skin color. Then he gasped, shocked.

“I… I don’t believe it… Is this… true me?” Knuckle Joe asked, surprised.

“Yes, Knuckle Joe. This is your true self. You’ve been stuck in the monster’s body for a long time and living with nothing but hatred and fury.” Fighter Kirby said as he approached Knuckle Joe.

“You did this for me?” Knuckle Joe asked.

“Yes.” Fighter Kirby said as Tiff saw something horrifying and gasped.

“KIRBY! KNUCKLE JOE! LOOK OVER THERE! THAT MONSTER!” Tiff shouted as the monster body still remained as Knuckle Joe, but still kept his original color and glares at the real Knuckle Joe.

“That’s the Dark Shadow. It’s a fragment of the Dark Orb which can turn any Star Warrior and innocent creature into a monster. And it seems this Dark Shadow has possessed you for a long time, Knuckle Joe, it has been becoming the Dark Knuckle Joe.” Meta Knight said.

“Dark… Knuckle Joe?” Knuckle Joe said as the Dark Knuckle Joe approached the real Joe.

“Don't you remember me, Knuckle Joe? I'm everything you despise about yourself. Everything you try to keep buried. Your impatience, your hatred, your unbridled fury.” Dark Knuckle Joe said as the real Knuckle Joe’s getting angry.

“You… You're using my body to change my feelings to destroy Kirby! He helped me to get out of you, even though he's trying to tell me the truth.” Knuckle Joe said.

“Careful, Knuckle Joe. That monster has copied your attack moves and is more powerful than he looks.” Meta Knight warns as Dark Knuckle Joe fires his dark energy blast from his fist and destroys the rock boulder.

“It can’t be…!” Tiff said horrified as she witnessed Dark Knuckle Joe’s powers.

“He’s not holding back his power anymore! That guy is not joking!” Dedede said, shocked.

“Such incredible power. If I can command that monster, you can say goodbye to Kirby. Huhuhehehaha!” King Kroco laughed.

“Quit laughing, you fool!” Dedede shouted.

“Finally… Now that I'm free, no softhearted weakling is putting me back. This is who I really am! Empty, mindless MONSTER!!!” Dark Knuckle Joe roared as he charged towards Knuckle Joe and punched his check to send him flying into the lake.

“Knuckle Joe!” Tuff shouted.

Fighter Kirby dashes towards Dark Knuckle Joe’s body, then the monster grabs Kirby’s arm, then punches his cheek with brute force and sends him flying to the cliff.

“No, Kirby!” Tiff cried devastated.

Meta Knight unsheathed his Galaxia Sword and swung it to cut the Dark Knuckle Joe while shouting. “First you possess my friend, Jecra, and now you possess his son, Knuckle Joe! And now you’ll pay for what you’ve done, monster!”

Even though he swung his sword, Dark Knuckle Joe blocks it with his gloves, then he punches Meta Knight to the ground.

“Sir Meta Knight!” Bandana Dee shouted.

Now it’s Daroach’s turn; he fires an icy laser from his wand and hits Dark Knuckle Joe. Then he fires small ice shards rapidly from his wand and hits the monster again.

“DARK SMASH PUNCH!!” Dark Knuckle Joe roared as he fired his dark energy blast from his fist and hit Daroach who now fell to the ground.

“Is that all you got, you worthless cowards?” Dark Knuckle Joe taunted as the real Knuckle Joe leaps out of the lake and lands in front of the monster.

“Now I can sense your hatred. It consumes me for a long time for hating my father… But he’s made a noble sacrifice to stop you from controlling his body until you control mine.” Knuckle Joe said as he walked slowly over to the monster.

“Grr…! You make me want to puke! I'm going to crush you like a bug!” Dark Knuckle Joe roared as he fired his dark energy blast from his foot at Knuckle Joe who easily deflected it with his left glove.

“You think your anger and hatred keeps making you stronger? Is this what you’re happy about?” Knuckle Joe asked as the monster growled and dashed towards him and punched him.

“Got that right, wimp!” Dark Knuckle Joe growled, then gasped that he saw the real Knuckle Joe didn’t hold back as his body glows blue.

“Do you think I’m a monster just like you? Well, no more. The only monster I know is you who uses me to throw away reason, live by hatred and hurting innocent people. I’ve learned the lesson from Meta Knight.” Knuckle Joe said.

“You maladroit, fatuous troglodyte! Don’t you dare lecture me! You’re not a Star Warrior! You’re a monster, and that's all you'll ever be!” Dark Knuckle Joe shouted.

“And I’ve told you. I’m a monster no longer. This is truly who I am. I AM THE STAR WARRIOR!!” Knuckle Joe as he unleashes the blue light flashes out of his body, and then he punches Dark Knuckle Joe and sends him flying to the ground.

Meta Knight’s eyes glows blue while stood up after seeing Knuckle Joe repent his mistakes for being a menace and decide to become the Star Warrior.

“Well said.” Meta Knight said as Fighter Kirby got up and ran into Knuckle Joe and stood beside him.

“Joe! Let’s fight together! You and me against the monster.” Kirby said.

“You mean… you want to help me? After all I’ve done to you?” Knuckle Joe asked.

“I’ve already forgiven you, Knuckle Joe. It’s Dark Shadow I won’t forgive.” Kirby said as Knuckle Joe gasped.

“This time I’ll fight for you and your father. So let’s work together as the Star Warriors and defeat that monster. What do you say?” Kirby asks as Knuckle Joe smiles.

“Indeed. Let’s do it as a team.” Knuckle Joe nodded as he and Kirby shook their hands.

Tiff, Tuff, Dedede, Escargoon, Bandana Dee, Bonkers, Taranza, Susie and Squeak Squad cheers while Kroco, Krump and Krusher quiver in fear.

Kirby turned to Dark Knuckle Joe, then shouted his catchphrase. “Till the Dream Land’s end, Star Warriors defend!!”

Then Fighter Kirby dashes towards Dark Knuckle Joe, and he punches the monster, then kicks him.

“SMASH PUNCH!!” Fighter Kirby shouted as he fired a blast of energy from his fist and hit the monster.

“SPIN KICK!!” Kirby shouted and fired his energy blast from his foot and hit Dark Knuckle Joe again.

“AND VULCAN JAB!!” Fighter Kirby shouted and fired rapid-fire styled energy blasts from his fists and this time Dark Knuckle Joe blocked his attacks with his gloves.

“You’re going to pay for this, Star Warrior! Emperor Nightmare will conquer this pitiful planet, and all of you weaklings will bow before him!” Dark Knuckle Joe said.

“Not gonna happen, monster! Because, I am the Star Warrior of Dream Land, and no monsters are going to cause trouble as long as I am here!!” Fighter Kirby shouted.

“INSOLENT IMBECILE!! DARK SMASH PUNCH!!” Dark Knuckle Joe roared as he fired his dark energy blast from his fist.

“Kirby, watch out!” Tiff yelled.

Then Knuckle Joe shows up and blocks his dark counterpart’s Dark Smash Punch with his gloves, and shouts. “Dark Shadow! As the Star Warrior, and the son of Jecra, I will not give up to the end! If I am going to protect the Dream Land and ready to fight my opponents, I have my own catchphrase!”

“What?!” Dark Knuckle Joe questioned.

“IT’S SMASHING TIME!!” Knuckle Joe shouted as his gloves glowed blue-white and tore the dark energy blast apart.

Then Knuckle Joe dashes towards Dark Knuckle Joe and punches him with tremendous force many times, until Fighter Kirby shows and quickly jabbing the monster with his left arm before kicking him to the ground.

“Grrr…! I won’t lose… Not to you, fools!” Dark Knuckle Joe growled as Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe’s right fists glowed brightly.

“Finishing Move - RISING BREAK!!” Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe shouted as they're dashing towards Dark Knuckle Joe and performed their Rising Break and struck the monster’s chin.

“They did it!” Tiff and Tuff cheered.

“Way to go, you two!” Dedede cheers.

Then they send him flying towards the sky as the Dark Knuckle Joe glows white and shouted in agony. “GRAAAAGH!! IMPOSSIBLE!!! NOOOOOOOO!!”

With these last words, Dark Knuckle Joe, aka Dark Shadow, explodes into a thousand pieces and vanishes to oblivion. And after a while Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe looked at each other, and then they shook their hands once again.

“Thank you, Kirby.” Knuckle Joe said.

“You’re welcome, Knuckle Joe.” Fighter Kirby said.

“Yay, Kirby! Hooray for Knuckle Joe!” Tiff, Tuff, Dedede, Escargoon, Bandana Dee, Bonkers, Taranza, Susie and Squeak Squad cheered while Kroco, Krump and Krusher moaned in fear.

“Well done you two.” Meta Knight congratulated as he approached Kirby and Knuckle Joe. “Especially you, Knuckle Joe. You have overcome your dark past and hatred and have become who you truly are. Your father will be so proud of you.”

“Thank you, Meta Knight. If it wasn’t for you or Kirby, I would be a monster for a long time… But no more… I know who I really am. I am the Star Warrior, just like my father.” Knuckle Joe said.

“You and Kirby have both grown.” Meta Knight said as his eyes glowed blue again.

“Hey, Knuckle Joe. Now you know Kroco tricked you, what are you going to do?” Fighter Kirby asked.

“Well, I’d say… let’s kick their tails for tricking me into believing you as a villain, Kirby.” Knuckle Joe said as he grins.

“Yeah. Let’s take ‘em.” Kirby said as he eagerly, grinding his fist into his palm.

Kroco backed away in fear while Tiff, Tuff, Dedede, Escargoon, Bandana Dee, Bonkers, Taranza, Susie and Squeak Squad looked at them while giving him a grin.

“D-DON’T JUST STAND THERE, KRUMP!!” Kroco shouted furiously at General Krump. “DO SOMETHING!!”

“Well, now Knuckle Joe is no longer a monster and becomes the Star Warrior and is on Kirby’s side, so I think we shall teach them a lesson!” Krump suggested.

“Wrong~!” Fighter Kirby calls out in a sing-songy voice. “WE shall teach you a lesson.”

“Yeah, and I say this once, and I say this again. It’s smashing time!” Knuckle Joe said.

After gasping in fright, the Gatorsaurs make a run for it, but Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe already make their moves.

“SMASH PUNCH!!” Fighter Kirby shouted as he fired a blast of energy from his fist and hit General Krump and sent him flying to the sky.

“SPIN KICK!!” Knuckle Joe shouted and fired his energy blast from his foot and hit Krusher and sent him flying to the sky.

“And… MEGA FORCE BLAST!!” Fighter Kirby and Knuckle Joe shouted as they fired a larger more powerful blast of energy at King Kroco, who was sent flying to the sky too and screaming.

Tiff, Tuff, Dedede, Escargoon, Bandana Dee, Bonkers, Taranza, Susie and Squeak Squad laughed at Kroco’s misfortune.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Much later at Dedede’s throne room…

“Everyone, I’m sorry to cause you all the trouble. Dark Shadow possesses my body and changes my feelings. That’s why I’ve become a monster.” Knuckle Joe apologized.

“Well, now you’re free from the monster thanks to Fighter Kirby, I, King Dedede, will accept your apology. We know that the evil Emperor Nightmare turned your father into a monster with the Dark Orb which contains the Dark Shadow.” Dedede said.

“And after you defeat your evil counterpart and become the Star Warrior, you’re one of us.” Dedede finished.

“Thanks. Could you please let me stay here?” Knuckle Joe asked which surprises Kirby, Tiff, Tuff, Bandana Dee and everyone else. “This, I thought, was the only place I could stay and train. After all, I was really appreciative that Kirby had rescued me from the monster I had been stuck with for so long.”

“Permission granted. And you’ll follow Kirby and my orders when we’re going to clobber those monsters from Nightmare Enterprises.” Dedede said.

“What about mine?” Escargoon asked.

“Yes, yours too, Escargoon.” Dedede replied.

“Knuckle Joe… It would be a pleasure to have you here as our fellow Star Warrior in Planet Popstar.” Kirby said.

“You betcha. And we will have to fight alongside each other just like we did against Dark Knuckle Joe.” Knuckle Joe said as Kirby nodded.

“You and I’ll keep our skills sharp until the end!” Knuckle Joe continued. “...without the hatred anymore.”

“That’s the spirit, Knuckle Joe. Till the Dream Land’s end…” Kirby said.

“Yes.” Knuckle Joe said as he and Kirby as they both shook their hands. “The Star Warriors defend.”

Kirby, Tiff, Tuff, Meta Knight, Bandana Dee and all Dream Friends smile at Kirby and Knuckle Joe’s new partnership. From being enemies to friends and allies; two young Star Warriors united to become the ultimate team.

Meta Knight was happy while his eyes glowed blue; the hope of the universe grows stronger as long as Kirby and Knuckle Joe work together as a team, nothing can ever stop them.

The ending star closes in on Kirby and Knuckle Joe before they winked at the camera.

TO BE CONTINUED…